Ethernet refers to a group of computer networking technologies designed for LAN's. Ethernet cables are nowadays considered the most used for transferring data within a LAN, as well as being one of the fastest LAN cables available, and depending on the cable you are working with transmission speeds vary between 10 and 1000 Mbps.
Even though Ethernet cables all look similar; subtle differences in the constructionof the cabling make a difference in how well it will perform. Ethernet cables use a set of four twisted pair cables and a pair of RJ-45 connectors. The difference between the many types of Ethernet cables is the type of wire used, how it is bundled and the way it is terminated with a connector.
There are many types or categories of cables available, each with different specifications:
Cat 3 – Used for voice cabling and transmits data at a rate of up to 10 Mbps. Cat 5 – Between 10 and 100 Mbps Ethernet and works for voice as well. Cat 5E – Enhanced Cat 5 cabling that helps to prevent cross-talk, transmits between 10 and 100 Mbps as well as 1000 Mbps (also known as Gigabit Ethernet). Cat 6 – Like Cat 5E but with larger gauge wires, works for 10/100/1000 Mbps. This cable is better than Cat 5E for Gigabit Ethernet. Cat 7 – Also called Class F, this is fully-shielded cabling and supports up to 600Mhz. This is a relatively new type of cabling and isn’t used very much.
So what makes Ethernet cables special or different from the rest? Ethernet cables divide the data into individual packets called frames, allowing checks to be constantly being undertaken as to ensure that the damaged data is located and re-transmitted correctly.
Even though Ethernet cables all look similar; subtle differences in the constructionof the cabling make a difference in how well it will perform. Ethernet cables use a set of four twisted pair cables and a pair of RJ-45 connectors. The difference between the many types of Ethernet cables is the type of wire used, how it is bundled and the way it is terminated with a connector.
There are many types or categories of cables available, each with different specifications:
Cat 3 – Used for voice cabling and transmits data at a rate of up to 10 Mbps.
Cat 5 – Between 10 and 100 Mbps Ethernet and works for voice as well.
Cat 5E – Enhanced Cat 5 cabling that helps to prevent cross-talk, transmits between 10 and 100 Mbps as well as 1000 Mbps (also known as Gigabit Ethernet).
Cat 6 – Like Cat 5E but with larger gauge wires, works for 10/100/1000 Mbps. This cable is better than Cat 5E for Gigabit Ethernet.
Cat 7 – Also called Class F, this is fully-shielded cabling and supports up to 600Mhz. This is a relatively new type of cabling and isn’t used very much.
So what makes Ethernet cables special or different from the rest? Ethernet cables divide the data into individual packets called frames, allowing checks to be constantly being undertaken as to ensure that the damaged data is located and re-transmitted correctly.